The Jacksonville Jaguars fell short of expectations in 2023, winning just nine games and missing the playoffs. The disappointing 2023 season came on the heels of a fantastic 2022 campaign that saw the Jaguars and quarterback Trevor Lawrence reach new heights. Free agency will be the first step for the Jaguars to revitalize their roster.
Free agency begins on March 13, and the legal tampering period begins two days prior. What are some moves the Jaguars could make at the start of the new league year?
Jacksonville Jaguars Free Agency Predictions
The Jaguars have been inconsistent with what they do in free agency. In 2021, they were big spenders. However, in 2023, they just signed depth guys.
Here’s a look at where Jacksonville has ranked in terms of free agency spending in Trent Baalke’s tenure, according to Spotrac.
- 2023: 30th ($29.8 million)
- 2022: 1st ($272.1 million)
- 2021: 3rd ($166.5 million)
The Jaguars still have Lawrence on his rookie contract, but not for much longer. According to Baalke at the NFL Combine, the two sides have engaged in some contract extension conversations already. Going into free agency, however, the Jaguars have $25.7 million in cap space, according to Spotrac. They can also free up plenty more.
Come to an Agreement With Calvin Ridley
The key this offseason for the Jaguars should be building around Lawrence. The easiest way to do that is to keep good players on the team. The Jaguars traded for Ridley during the 2022 season while he was suspended for gambling.
In his first year back after almost two years away from football, he caught 76 passes for 1,016 yards and eight touchdowns. Spotrac projects he would make around $17 million per year on a four-year, $68.2 million deal.
Bolster Offensive Line With Robert Hunt
The Jaguars’ biggest issue is by far their offensive line, but more specifically, their interior offensive line. The Jaguars’ run game suffered as a result, and Lawrence saw too much pressure from the interior.
Hunt is the top guard on the market and, at 27 years old, would plug in and start at left or right guard from Day 1. It would also open the door for the Jaguars to release Brandon Scherff, freeing up major cap relief and upgrading at the spot, especially in run blocking.
Spotrac projects he will make $11.8 million per season on a four-year, $47.3 million deal.
Jaguars Make Blockbuster Trade for Dominant Cornerback
Another big need for the Jaguars is in the defensive backfield, specifically at outside corner. The Jaguars do have Tyson Campbell and Darious Williams, but with new defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen’s scheme bringing more man coverage, Williams could be a cap casualty.
As a result, the Jaguars could trade for L’Jarius Sneed from the Kansas City Chiefs. Sneed is one of the best man coverage corners in the NFL and would allow the Jaguars to go a different direction in the draft. Sneed was franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, but the team is allowing him to seek a trade partner in case they can’t come to terms on a deal.
KEEP READING: Jaguars 2024 Free Agents
If the trade were to go down, the Jaguars would need to give Sneed a new deal. According to Spotrac, Sneed is looking at a deal for around four years and $65.3 million.
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Why is Snead being talked about as “dominant” hes average at best, rather release Williams and draft a CB at 17